The new education funding reform model passed by the General Assembly last week will be a positive paradigm shift in how the state handles and funds its schools, Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) contended during Senate debate.

Gov. Bruce Rauner recently added several key communication personnel to his team, further shaking up his staff following a major political defeat when the Illinois General Assembly overrode his vetoes on a budget and spending plan.

Illinois has its first budget in more than two years after the House voted on Thursday to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of three contentious bills that made it through both chambers in a special extended session.

“Today we’ve seen a complete dereliction of duty by the majority in the General Assembly,” Gov. Bruce Rauner said after the 100th session of the General Assembly closed. “Once again, a tragic failure to serve the people of Illinois. A tragic failure to pass a balanced budget along with critical structural changes to protect taxpayers and grow more jobs.”

The give-and-take in the Senate between Democrats wanting tax increases and Republicans wanting reforms ended on Tuesday with the liberals giving up on compromise and taking from Illinois taxpayers, Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) said.